The world has greatly changed over time. Everyday life has become more challenging and fast-paced. Many people experience stress from work, school, commute, or even at home. This can accumulate and become toxic to the mind and body.

Through the years, people have recognized the calming and relaxing benefits of doing yoga. Because of this, yoga became one of the most popular stress relievers. The techniques used in yoga include poses, breathing techniques, meditation, and stretches. Many studies conducted even confirm the effectivity of yoga in reducing cortisol production, which is a common stress hormone in the body when the stress response system of the body is modulated. 

Try this 5 yoga poses to relieve stress:

Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose)

Just like its name, this position slightly inverts the body by putting the legs up. Because of this, the blood flows back into the upper part of the body and the heart area. It is a restorative pose that helps reduce anxiety and relax the nervous system.

Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy Pose)

This pose stretches the shoulders and spine while improving flexibility. It opens the heart and calms the mind. One of the benefits of this pose is its effective relief of tension and chronic stress symptoms.

Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend Pose)

This forward bending exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety caused by mental tension. It promotes blood flow and allows the transport of oxygen, giving the body more energy to function. It is also good for the digestive system, reducing stomach problems like constipation and bloating.

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Goddess Pose)

This pose opens your lower body – from the hips to the groin, the body parts that usually hold stress and tension. Especially if you are subject to standing or sitting for a long period. This pose also promotes blood circulation and strengthens the lower body part. The reclined goddess pose is a Vinyasa yoga pose, which is usually done while doing a controlled breathing technique. It helps with reducing stress levels and anxiety.

Garudasana (Eagle Pose)

This yoga pose is a great empowerment pose. It encourages your mind and body to give focus on something and concentrate at a focal point. At the same time, it relaxes tension built up on body parts where tension tends to gather such as the legs, back, and shoulders.

There are many causes of stress. It can be school or work-related, relationships, retirement, financial problems, or even unfulfilled dreams. The causes can be internal and external, and if the stress is not managed or addressed, it may cause other health problems such as anxiety, depression, digestive problems, sleeping problems, heart diseases, weight problems, and it can even affect thinking and cognitive responses.

So, whether you are just starting yoga or have been practicing for years, the psychological benefits of yoga cannot be denied. It is a great way to improve the sense of well-being and uplift your mood.